7.19.2005

Book Review: PADDY CLARKE HA HA HA, by Roddy Doyle

PADDY C. is written as a series of scenes--there are no chapters, only a line break denoting a change in time or location. This gives the book a fluid, dream-like feel, which makes sense, given the fact that the narrator is ten-years-old. There are political overtones to this book, but mostly it is a "childhood's end" type of affair, as Paddy Clarke (the aforementioned 10-year-old) runs amok with his friends, learns to love his little brother, and begins to listen in as his parents fight downstairs. Well-(no, fantastically-)written, Doyle earned his Booker-Prize-winning keep with this one. Also, I love the title.

RATING: 3

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